350
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.—REPORTS OF
MEETINGS.
VISIT TO THE WALTHAMSTOW RESERVOIRS OF THE
EAST LONDON WATERWORKS COMPANY.
Saturday, May 14th, 1904.
A meeting at the Reservoirs was projected last year, but was deferred owing
to bad weather (ante, p. 247). On the present occasion Col. Bryan, M. Inst.
C.E., the Engineer to the Company, kindly made all arrangements for the com-
fort of the party, use of a boat on the Reservoirs, and use of the large workshops
for tea, etc.
The meeting was "conducted" by Mr. D. J. Scourfield, F.R.M.S., and by
some other expert members of the Club. The numerous company assembled at
the open spaces near the reservoirs near the Superintendent's house at Black-
horse Lane. Here tables, jars, nets, &c., were arranged under a clump of trees.
Numerous interesting aquatic forms of life were obtained, and exhibited in
extemporised aquaria and under microscopes. A good representative series of
spring flowers growing on the banks of the streams and reservoirs was shown.
Mr. Scourfield and others gave many" lecturettes" on the objects—both before
and after tea—and explained the use of the special nets used in investigating the
entomostracous fauna of fresh-water lakes, &c. A full report of the organisms
observed will probably be published later in connection with a future meeting at
the reservoirs.
The President, Mr. Rudler, presided at the tea, and hearty votes of thanks
were passed to Col. Bryan, the Superintendent, Mr. Jeffrey, and to the
Conductor, Mr. Scourfield. The latter summed up the afternoon's work in a
very interesting speech.
After tea the collecting was continued, the pleasant weather rendering the
water trips and botanical rambles very enjoyable.
MEETING AT SAFFRON WALDEN, THAXTED, HORHAM
HALL, AND DISTRICT.
Whitsun-Monday, May 23rd, 1904.
This meeting was arranged to take advantage of the kind invitation of our
member, Mr. L. Cranmer-Byng, to visit him at Horham Hall, Thaxted.
The main party assembled at Saffron Walden, about to o'clock, at the official
inn, the "Rose and Crown," where some members had lodged—other visitors
came by road from Dunmow and Chelmsford, and joined en route.
The drive from Walden was very pleasant, the county being in the prime of
spring beauty. A deviation from the main road was made to allow of a visit to
Debden Church, a very ancient building of brick and stone, and situated in a
most delightful piece of country. The Rector (the Rev. F. H. Fisher)
very kindly conducted the party over the church, and Mr. I. Chalkley Gould also
assisted in the demonstration. After thanking the Rector, the drive was con-
tinued to Thaxted, perhaps the most old-world town in Essex. It was once an
important centre and corporate town, but the Mayor and Corporation were sup-
pressed by James II. The old Guild or Moot Hall still stands as a memorial of